Ferry from Dublin to Cherbourg

Irish Ferries operates the Dublin - Cherbourg route with conventional cruise ferries, such as the W. B. Yeats and Isle of Inisheer. These vessels are designed for long-haul travel and feature modern amenities and services, such as:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and seating on outer decks to enjoy the sea view
• Restaurants, cafés and bars serving a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals (including child-friendly, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options)
• Family-friendly entertainment, including onboard cinemas, children’s play areas, magic shows, live music, and games
• Duty-free shops and kiosks selling snacks, gifts and travel essentials
• Wi-Fi hotspot with free and premium options available to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The ferries serving the route from Dublin to Cherbourg in France are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts between decks, as well as adapted cabins and amenities.

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

On Dublin - Cherbourg ferries, you typically have the option of booking a reserved seat in the lounge or a cabin, for a more relaxed travel experience.

What types of cabins are on the ferry?

The ferries traveling from Dublin to Cherbourg have a range of cabins:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins and family suites with a king-size bed, sofa, mini bar, coffee & tea maker, breakfast, club lounge access, and a sea view or balcony
• Adapted cabins for travelers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins have air conditioning, a TV, and an ensuite bathroom.

Cabin prices start at around €150.

Can I book business-class seats?

While Irish Ferries does not offer traditional business-class seating, you can book a reserved seat in a dedicated, air-conditioned lounge. These lounges feature luggage storage lockers, dimmed lighting in the evening, toilet and shower facilities, as well as a limited number of complimentary blankets and pillows.

Prices for reserved seats start at around €107.

Note: these seats are not suitable for infants or cots.

Luggage

With Irish Ferries, you can bring as much luggage as you can carry at no additional cost. You are allowed to carry 1 small piece of hand luggage with you, while the rest must be checked in through the luggage handling facility. Each checked-in item must not exceed 22 kg.

Traveling with pets

You can travel with your pet on the Dublin to Cherbourg ferry, provided you include it in your booking. Pet ticket prices usually range from about €30 to €60.

During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle if there is a risk of biting.

Where can pets stay during the crossing?

Pet accommodation differs from vessel to vessel serving the Dublin - Cherbourg route:

• When travelling with the W.B. Yeats, you can book a place in the onboard kennels. During the trip, you can visit the kennels at allocated times and take your pet on a short walk on the outer decks.
• For journeys with the Isle of Inisheer, you can book a pet-friendly cabin. These cabins have access to an outside deck area, where you can walk your pet.

What documents are required?

You must bring your pet’s EU Pet Passport (or GB Animal Health Certificate), including microchip identification and a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip). Keep in mind that for dogs, you will also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before your return to Ireland.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Dublin to Cherbourg:

• The port of Dublin can get busy, so plan your arrival at least 1 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure. If you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to be there 2 hr in advance.
• The sea can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness tablets before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• When planning your trip, keep in mind that there is a 1-hr time difference between Ireland and France.
• If you are travelling to France with a vehicle, remember that you will be driving on the right-hand side of the road once you arrive in France! Don’t forget to book your return ticket on the Cherbourg - Dublin ferry in advance, as car deck spaces are limited.
• From the Irish capital, you can also travel to Wales on the Dublin - Holyhead ferry. For more information on schedules, companies and ticket prices, have a look at the Dublin ferries.

Where to take the ferry from Dublin to Cherbourg

Ferries to Cherbourg normally set sail from Dublin Port, the main ferry terminal in Ireland, which is located about 3 km east of Dublin city centre and around 10 km from Dublin Airport.

Irish Ferries sailings to France usually depart from Terminal 1 (Alexandra Quay), but it’s always best to check your ticket for the exact check-in area and lane number, especially if you’re travelling with a vehicle.

At the port, you will find basic passenger facilities, including waiting areas, cafés and check-in desks. If you’re travelling with a vehicle, you’ll find clear signage and dedicated lanes for ferry boarding.

How to get to the port of Dublin

• By car: you can easily reach the port via the M50 motorway and the Dublin Port Tunnel by following signs for “Dublin Port” and your ferry terminal.
• By bus: several local buses serve the port area or nearby stops, including lines from the city centre, such as routes 53 and 151. From there, it’s a short taxi ride or walk to the terminal.
• From Dublin Airport: the port is about a 20-min drive from the airport. You can drive there directly or go via the city centre and then transfer to a local bus or taxi.
• By taxi: taxis are widely available throughout Dublin and are very convenient if you have luggage.

Where does the ferry arrive in Cherbourg?

Ferries from Dublin usually dock at the port of Cherbourg (Cherbourg-en-Cotentin), in Normandy, on the northern coast of France. The ferry terminal is around 2.5 km from the town centre and the local railway station.

The port has many modern passenger facilities, including waiting areas, cafés and transport connections. Outside the terminal, you’ll find taxis, car-hire services and buses connecting the port to the town centre, the train station and other destinations in Normandy.